Trainer Rex Lipp has been thrilled with the condition of Tinto this time and is confident his stable star is more than up to the mark of Saturday’s featured 2015 Festival Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill Gardens Racecourse.

Rex Lipp is thrilled with Tinto ahead of Saturday’s 2015 Festival Stakes at Rosehill. Photo: Daniel Costello
Tinto has been a strong and consistent performer for Lipp since first appearing on course in 2013; posting a commendable five wins and four minors through a total of 20 competitive starts highlighted by success in the featured Group 1 Queensland Oaks (2400m) in 2014.
Having returned this time for a credible seventh in the Listed Keith Noud Classic (1200m) at Doomben on November 14th, Lipp told Racing Ahead the Red Dazzler mare has taken plenty of condition from the run and is ready for a big performance in the Festival Stakes.
“It was a very, very good run,” Lipp said.
“She was disappointed for a run when the leader got the wobblies and started to knock up a bit and took our running.
“She’s come through excellent. She worked a treat this morning, very pleased with her final hit-out and she’ll be very competitive on Saturday for sure. All going well she’ll be right there with them.
“Second-up her races probably haven’t been far enough for her because they’ve just outsprinted her, but I think the 1500m will suit her down to the ground.
“This time in I’ve just angled her a little bit different to how I normally do. We’ve just stuck to the races her at Queensland. The 1350m at Doomben doesn’t really suit her either but it gets a good enough run out of them.
“She’s over all the little problems she’s had, she’s loving her work and it’s a big help.”
Lipp revealed Tinto will progress to the Group 2 Villiers Stakes (1600m) at Randwick in a fortnight should she perform well on Saturday; a race which offers its winner ballot-free entry into the Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600) during The Championships in autumn.
“If she races well she’ll go around in the Villiers, then the (Magic Millions) Stayers Cup,” Lipp said.
Tinto is a proven summer performer and produced several excellent results through the 2014/15 season in both Brisbane and Sydney.
Finishing in the places in each of the Listed Travel Associates Classic (1200m) and Listed Just Now Quality (1350m) before taking out each of the Listed City Of Toowoomba Quality (1625m) and Magic Millions Stayers Cup (1800m).
Placing sixth in the Group 3 Guy Walter Stakes (1400m) on February 28th, Tinto was returned to the paddock after placing seventh in the Group 1 Coolmore Classic (1500m) a fortnight later.
Ladbrokes.com.au is currently offering the best 2015 Festival Stakes odds, for which Tinto can be taken at a quote of $9 for success.